A group, Coalition of Taraba Youths Resident in Abuja, has issued a stern warning to persons allegedly behind banditry and terrorism in the state.
The group at a press conference on Thursday, said that the current situation in the state was the handiwork of those who were dislodged by the state government, from their illegal mining activities.
It regretted that despite the good intentions and commitment of the governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, “to bring positive change, progress, and prosperity to our beloved state,” “few saboteurs and enemies of the state…are bent on sabotaging the effort to reposition Taraba State…”
Leader of the group, Comrade Caleb Ure, while briefing journalists on Thursday commended the governor for banning mining activities in the state, insisting that stakeholders must follow proper channels to conduct businesses in Taraba.
He also hailed Governor Kefas for initiating “key infrastructure projects across the state, with a focus on improving our roads networks, health facilities, and educational institutions.”
Ure said, “Taraba state is blessed with fertile land, and His Excellency has taken steps to revitalise our agricultural sector.
“He has provided support to farmers and introduced modern farming techniques.
“However, we acknowledge that there is room for improvement in terms of food security and agricultural productivity.
The governor has invested in education which today we have a free education system from primary to secondary schools in Taraba State, 50% slashed of Taraba State University school fee which is key to success and skill development programs, to empower our youths and equip them for the challenges of the future,” among others.
While calling on residents to remain calm, it assured that the Governor “is aware that our state remains a priority and he has collaborated with security agencies to address security challenges, but there is more work to be done to ensure the safety of our people, most especially, now that Southern Taraba has been bleeding for the past one year and the return of kidnapping in Jalingo metropolis.”
The non-profit group stressed that the administration is poised to coordinate efforts in securing communities, and addressing cross-border crimes, ensuring community involvement and engaging local communities in border protection.
